Good morning from Niseko.

There is more snow to report today - 12cm of fresh snow on the ground at base this morning. It's also continuing to be very cold indeed, with my thermometer here currently saying -12C. Light snow is continuing to fall (though just a short while ago I also see a little patch of blue sky over to the east - it's been covered again by cloud now though). It should generally be snowing through the day.

As yesterday, it looks like the top lifts are going to be affected this morning due to windy conditions though they are expected to ease off later on.

Weather conditions are forecast to be generally calmer tomorrow, so if we get more snow before then the conditions should be very fine tomorrow.

The weather was making the top headlines on the national news here in Japan last night. It looks like a lot of Japan is at last getting the decent snowfall that it has been waiting for which is great to see. Loads of snow for all of the mountains please.

Take care out there.

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Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base: -12℃, 15cm snowfall and snowdrift development. Moiwa850m: -14℃, W15m/s, cornices and snowdrifts developing. Annupuri1150m: -24, WNW30m/s, large cornices and snowdrifts (up to 150cm) developing. Hirafu1250m: -19℃, cornices and snowdrifts developing. Kamui cape lighthouse: WSW19m/s, 997hPa, 3.1m waves.

The tight isobars have brought the storm. Snowdrifts are developing drastically and cornices around 800m elevation have grown big rapidly. The newly formed wind-drifts on top of Jan 9th layer have reached up to 80cm and growing in east-facing slopes. The overall avalanche risk is extreme today. All gates above 800m will be closed. Similar hazard level applies to surrounding mountains. Today is not the right day for touring. The hazard level will stay high for a while after the wind calms down in the afternoon.

This information is issued in hopes to prevent accidents. Avalanches are natural occurrences and only become an accident only if a person is involved in it. Never underestimate the risk you’re taking. Being prudent and making conservative decisions are key to avoid accidents. The conditions will turn better soon. We strongly hope there will be no accidents during this storm. It’s cold out there, beware of frostbite.

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Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day):

Niseko Grand Hirafu
The top Ace Number 4, King Number 3 and King Number 4 lifts will be on hold due to wind conditions.

Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Not confirmed.

Niseko Village
The Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift will be on hold due to wind conditions.

Niseko Annupuri
The Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lifts will be on hold due to wind conditions.

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Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 12th January 2017:

Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 260cm
Base - 110cm

Niseko Village
Top - 180cm
Base - 110cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 185cm
Base - 115cm

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Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area.